The Importance of Drivers Ed.

Driving is an amazing privilege–a rite of passage for teens and a symbol of progression into adulthood. However, driving can also be quite dangerous if quality driver education isn’t given. The truth is, drivers instructors and the teaching they give serves as the primary deterrent to fatal car crashes for young drivers. The importance of driver’s education is not only to equip young drivers with the knowledge to operate a vehicle safely, but also to impress upon teens the importance of safety and discipline when behind the wheel. Not only that, but I believe that excellent driving instructors form relationships with their students by providing real-world information and education about driving that goes beyond the classroom. For instance, one of the things I remember most about my time in drivers training occurred when, in the middle of class, a teenager walked into the classroom. When our teacher saw the young man, who happened to be one of her students a few months prior, she began talking with him. He went on to tell her that he had been in an accident, received multiple tickets, and had been driving recklessly, and all without having his car privileges revoked by his parents! My classmates and I were stunned, to say the least. However, my instructor’s response still sticks with me. She began to offer him real world advice in a way that showed that she genuinely cared about him, along with cautioning him to drive with more sense. Eventually, the teen left after promising that he would drive safer and more carefully in the future. In the end, my instructor had not only continued to teach a student that was no longer in her class, but did what she could to save him from a style of driving that had already got him into an accident, and likely would result in a much more serious crash in the future. This goes to show that, without proper drivers training, the amount of accidents, both fatal and otherwise, would be much higher than they already are.

Thankfully, many simple steps can be taken to prevent fatal accidents, such as wearing a seatbelt, never going over the speed limit, and driving with patience. Always leaving early is another simple, yet effective step that can reduce the risk of fatal accidents. By leaving even a few minutes early, you allow yourself extra time on the road to compensate for things like traffic or unexpected closures. In turn, you will feel less of a need to be in a rush while driving. This increases both patience and quality of decision making, two things that are absolutely imperative to safe driving.

At an early age, I also experienced first-hand the consequences of reckless driving. One day, as my mom, sister, and I were driving down the road, a car suddenly sped out of a parking lot and in front of our car. I watched as my mom ripped the wheel to the left and slammed on the brakes, doing all she could to avoid the imminent collision, but it wasn’t enough. We smashed into the oncoming car, forced to a screeching halt in the middle of the road. It was the first time my sister and I had been in a car accident. Even to this day, I vividly remember how, even though I was extremely young, I responded with anger. I was indignant that someone would be so careless as to crash into us. However, this experience stands as a valuable reminder to me of one important step I can always take to bring safety to both myself and others as I drive: Always anticipate others’ mistakes. In other words, whenever I am on the road, in order to remain as safe as possible, I try my best to drive defensively. I remind myself never to assume that those around me will make the right choice all of the time. Instead, I remain vigilant as I drive. By doing this, along with simple steps like wearing a seatbelt and never speeding, I do my part to constantly improve as a driver, as well bring safety to the road for both myself and my fellow drivers.

Overall, it is clear that, although the number of fatal car crashes among young drivers is alarming, quality drivers education and a personal decision to drive disciplined and safely can help ensure the well-being of all who may be on the road.